Born 1948, at Partapur, Banswara, Rajasthan,INDIA
In understanding the creative efforts of a talented painters, his other achievements are sometimes a hindrance rather than a help. For Instance, Upadhyay you will come to know, is a PhD in Fine Arts and the head of the department of painting in one of the best Art institutions of the country and that he has participated in scores of National and International exhibitions both at home and abroad and held umpteen numbers of solo expositions in major cities of India. It is worth remembering that events of the artist's life are not that important in understanding his work. The work of the artist is the ultimate text, and happening in his life can be compared to footnotes. While writing a book on the artist the author may try to weave intricate design from the events of the artist's life and show their impact on his works. Strangely enough other writers trying to use the same material will arrive at different conclusions. Ultimately the viewers will have to depend and fall back on the artist's work. The text is more important than the commentary and exegesis.
Like most artists, Upadhayay's paintings in the formative stage was representational. As the years went by and he developed, his work began to shed figurative excesses and to build a compact whole in high-tension color fields. In the present series he has totally banished all vestiges of figure paintings. He has reached a stage where he is fully independent as he does not have to use illustrative jottings, suggest a narrative through the visuals or implant some details from myth for the purpose of luring the viewers. Like great non-figurative painters from Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollock to Gastan Bertrand, he has also used abstraction in painting as it is used in music.
By the time Upadhyay got involved in abstraction several art movements like Pop, Op, Conceptual Art and the rest of the shooting match had displaced American Abstract Expressionism. The late 20th and early 21st century art was moving beyond the realm of modernism and in to that of post-modernism. Upadhyay's paintings are informed of the later day trends. His abstractions reach out and explore the extreme limits of non-figuration. From the search for the chaos of the inner-self he has moved into the vast expanse of outer space and as it were, created a visual of the unified field theory. This has made him move away from square and rectangular compositional compact to circular ones. Artist have rarely used circular composition but in his hand they become terrestrial to supra terrestrial. It seems, he prefers a variety of interpretation of his work as he has layered them with variation of meaning. Most of this series of paintings, with the rare exception of one which is in acrylic, are in mixed media. He has executed them with dry pastel, graphite, watercolor and acrylic paints. His work radiates luminosity for this reason. Viewers may see them abstract landscapes in the format of a circle. Other in space, some as far as millions of light years away. This inter-steller obsession makes his works postmodern. He continues from where European and later American abstractionists left off.
Upadhyay hints that we are not earth earthy but made of cosmic stuff and substance. He is steeped in the ethos and culture of his native Rajsathan. Folklore and art and crafts, the colors of textile and varied landscape of the region influenced him, as well as the hymns of Mira Bai. The arid desert landscapes and lakes, forts and scanty vegetation and the ambience of medieval atmosphere underneath the contemporary veneer have all cast a shadow on him.
Above all, the tradition of Rajput miniature and Jaipuri fresco have inspired him. You might remember that Kandinsky's paintings indicate the impact of Russian icons particularly that of Rublyev's, and the mystic elements of the Russian Orthodox Church. Upadhyay's paintings integrate his heritage in a similar way. His roots go deep but his branches spread into the open blue sky.
SANDIP SARKAR
(Art Historian and Critic)
EDUCATION
1970 M .A . in Painting from University of Udaipur.
1996 Ph.D. in Painting from Sukhadia University, Udaipur.
AWARDS
1981 National Award on Painting by National Lalit Kala Akademi N.Delhi.
1984 All India Award by U.P. State Akademi on Painting.
1989 All India Award by Bihar Govt. on Painting.
1991 All India Award by R.L.K.A. Jaipur on Painting.
1969,1972,1975,1978,1980,1982 & 1984
Senior fellowship in visual art awarded by Ministry of Human resource, Govt.of India.
State Awards on Paintings and Drawings by Lalit Kala Akademi , Jaipur.
1971,1972 Best Teacher Artist Award by Director P. & S. Education, Rajasthan.
Merit Certificate by Govt. of Rajasthan on Republic Day for the Out Standing.
1985 Contribution in the field of Fine Art Education.
ONE MAN SHOWS
1967 Govt. College Banswara.
1971 Information Center, Jaipur
1971 Dept. Painting M.B.College Udaipur.
1972 AIFACS Art Gallery, N. Delhi.
1975 Information Center, Udaipur.
1975 Sridharni Art Gallery ,N.Delhi.
1975 Ravindra Manch Art Gallery, Jaipur.
1978 Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery, N.Delhi.
1980 Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery, N.Delhi.
1981 Faculty of Fine Art, M.S. University Baroda.
1982 Contemporary Art Gallery, Ahmedabad.
1982 Fine Art Deptt.Banasthali Vidyapith.
1982 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
1985 Gallery Amrapali, N.Delhi.
1985 Taj Art Gallery,Mumbai.
1986 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
1986 Gallery Akaar , Chandigarh.
1986 Ravindra Manch Art Gallery, Jaipur.
1988 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
1989 Vadehra Art Gallery, N. Delhi.
1990 Ravindra Manch Art Gallery, Jaipur.
1991 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
1991 The Heritage Gallery, Channai.
1992 Sridharni Art Gallery, N.Delhi.
1993 Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.
1996 Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery, N.Delhi.
1996 Ravishankar Raval Art Gallery, Ahmedabad.
1994,1998 Kala Mela LKA. Jaipur.
1997 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
1997 Shahjahan Art Gallery, N.Delhi.
2000 Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.
2000 Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai.
2001 Juneja Art Gallery, Jaipur.
2002 Gallery Espace, Avignon,France.
2005 Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery, New Delhi.
2005 Jawahar Kala Kendra,Jaipur.
2006 Sarjan Art Gallery, Vadodra.
2007 Ravindra Bhavan Art Gallery,New Delhi.
2010 NeerjaModi Visual and Performing Art Centre,Jaipur.
PARTICIPATION
1975 Represent India in IIIrd International Triennial India, LKA.,N.Delhi.
1975 7th International Contemporary Art Ex. org by AIFACS, N.Delhi.
1986 Represent India in VIth International Triennial India, org. by LKA.,N.Delhi.
1988 Represent India in India Festival in Japan.
1985 Graphic Art in India since 1850, org by LKA, N.Delhi.
1985,1988 All India Prints Exhibition org. by Group-8 & Chandigarh College of Art.
1988 Third International Prints Exhibition org. by AIFACS, N.Delhi.
1988,1990,1995 2nd, 3rd & 4th Contemporary Art Biennial of India, org.by Bharat Bhavan ,Bhopal.
1989 International Independence Prints Exhibition, Kanagava, Japan
1989, 91, 1994 Bharat Bhavan International Prints Exhibition, Bhopal
1987 Group Exhibition of Indian artists at Maul Brorun, Germany
1987 Group Exhibition of Indian artists at Gaggenaw, Germany
1990,1991 Indo-Germany Painters Exhibition title ‘War & peace’ in major cities in India and Germany.
1993 Represent India in Asian Biennale, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
1994 International Mini Prints Exhibition org. by UNEAC, Cuba.
1994 Drawings-94 special Exhibition org. by Gallery Espace, N.Delhi.
1974 National Exhibition of Art org. by National LKA, N.Delhi since.
1975 All India Exhibition org. by AIFACS , N.Delhi
1972 Bombay Art Center, Mumbai
U.P.State LKA ,Lucknow, RLKA , Jaipur etc since 1971
State Exhibition of Art and many special Art shows org. by RLKA, Jaipur.
Witheenin the state and important Art centers in India since 1967
A Tribute to VanGaugh ,an Exhibition org. by Vadehra Art Gallery, N.Delhi
Annual Art Exhibitions org. by Chitram Art Gallery, Tiruanantpuram.
1999 The Desert & Beyond’ Exhibition org.by British Council, at N.DelhI.
1997 Major Trends in India’ Exhibition org by LKA , N. Delhi, on 50th anniversary of Indian Independence.
1997 Colour of Rajasthan’ special Exhibition org.by,RLKA, & JKK at Jaipur , on 50th anniversary of Indian Independence.
1997,1998 Movement in India A TRIBUTE special Exhibition org. by Karnataka Chtrakala Parishad ,Bangalore.
1998 Exhibition of Contemporary Art to support mentally handicapped through PRAYAS a NGO’s working for them, At AIFACS, N.Delhi & JKK ,Jaipur.
2000 A Harvest of Vision’ Exh. org. by M.E.C. Art Gallery, N. Delhi.
1999 Miniature format Exhibition org. by Banglore Artist’s Group at Banglore.
Annual Art Exhibitions and Group Shows org.by Takhman 28 a group of Experimental
Artists of Rajasthan in Rajasthan and major cities in India since 1967
Raj School of Art’s Faculty Members Art Exhibition in the Institution since 1994
2001 'We13’- Group Exhibition of Printmakers of Rajasthan at Jaipur , Ahmedbad , Chandigarh and N.Delhi.
2002 'LOK RANG’an exhibition of Indian Art org. by Gallery Art Pilgrim at nNew Delhi.
2003 'IN POETIC REALMS’ An exhibition of Four Abstract Painters of India org. by Birla Akademi of art and Culture, Mumbai.
2003 ‘Corresponding latitudes’ An Indo Australianpainters paintings exhibition at J.K.K.. Jaipur.
Multiple Encounters, Indo US print Exhibition at NewDelhi org.by Manhattan.
2004,06 Graphics Center New York,USA.
‘SWARNREKHA’ An exhibition of national Award winners Artists by National L.K.A.
2005 New Delhi at the time of Golden Jublee celibration at Ravindra Bhawan ,New Delhi.
2005 ‘CORRESPONDING LATITUDES’AN Indo Australian painters exhibition at Kick Art Center ,Queens land, Australia.
2005 ‘ART FOR VISION’ An special exhibition org. by Sankara nnatralay, Chennai at Ravindrabhavan ,New Delhi.
2007 ‘KALIDOSKOP’ An exhibition at Kitab ghar .Mumbai org. by Ayya Art Gallery Chennai.
2007 ‘TALES OF TEXTURES’ Agroup exhibition at Travancore House ,New Delhi org. by gallery Art Elements ,N.Delhi.
2007 An artistic JourneRajasthan and U.K. atJaipur& Chandigarh org by RLKA,British Council and ABS Chandigarh.
2008 ‘A JOURNEY OF ARTIST SOLDIERS.‘A show org by Vinyasa Art Gallery at Chennai.
2008 ‘AORA ART SHOW’ AT Nehru Center Mumbai org. by Aora Foundation, Mumbai.
2008 Windows’ a glimpse into Contemporary Indian Art org by Ayya art gallery, Chennai and Prakrit art gallery, Chennai at NewDelhi.
2008 ‘continuum’ a special art exhibition in support of Udayan Care at Hyatt Regency, Delhi.
2008 Art today in Rajasthan at Dhoomimal Art Center , NewDelhi.
2009 ‘ERROR-3’a group show of British,Spainesh ,Japanies andIndain artists at gallery Safaya ,Barsilona,spain and at Sukrati/Surekh Art Gallery,J.K.K.,Jaipur.
2010 ‘Segment-4’ a group show of Indian artists at Gallery21 ,Budapest ,Hungary.
2010 ‘Indo-France ‘artists exhibition at gallery Chaturdik,JKK,Jaipur.
2010 International Art Symposium show ar Gab Art Centre,Zalaegerszeg,Hungary in Aug.
2011 ‘Togather’ a group show at Art Gallery Ravindra Bhavan ,New Delhi,Jan.
‘Wells Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition at Chaturdik Art Gallery ,JKK,Jaipur in Jan.2011 and in March,2011 at Haward Garden Gallery ,Cardiff,Wells,UK.
2013 'Confluence des Arts' a group show of 100 artists at Gallery Artchill, Amber Fort , jaipur.
PAINTERS CAMP AND WORKSHOP
All India Painters Camp org. by National Lalit Kala Akademi at Udaipur , 1978
Regional Center ,Channai , 1984
Takhaman-28 at Udaipur , 1982, 85 , 88 , 89 , 91 , 92 , 93
J&K. Akademi of Art & Languages at Srinagar , 1981
Rajasthan LKA .Jaipur at Mount Abu 1985 , N.Delhi , 1990
R.T.D.C. and RLKA. Jaipur at Pushkar ,1984
RLKA & Himachal Kala Akademi at Simala, 1987,1998
SAARC International Painters Camp at Simla org. by Govt. of India ,1989
Indo German Painters camp org.by Maxmullar Bhavan, Kolkutta , 1990
All India painters camp org.by Sangi group of Industries at Sanghi Nagar,A.P.1993,1994
ABC Akademi , Varanasi ,1994
International Multimedia Camp by L.K.A. N.Delhi at Jawahar K K , 1994
Goa Kala Akademi ,Panjim ,1995
International Multimedia Camp by L.K.A. N.Delhi at Jawahar K K , 2001
Represent India in XXXIII International Art Symposium at Gyor , Hungary , org.by
Municipal Museum of Art ,Gyor under the cultural exchange program , 2002
Mao college ,Ajmer, 2003
International Art symposium at Kokrajar College of Fine Art, Kokrajar, Bodoland Aasam,2004
International Art symposium at J.K.K.,Jaipur org.by VYOM Art Gallery, Jaipur,2006
All India artists camp at IIHMRS, JAIPUR org .by Bhoruka charitable trust,2007
All India Painters Camp at Goa org. by SAMANVYA Art Gallery ,Jaipur,2007
All India Painters camp at Bhuvaneshwar, org.by Orisa LKA , 2008
All India Painters camp at Srinagar org. by J&K akademi ,2008
All India Painters camp at NewDelhi org by ITDC ,2008
All India Painters camp org by Neerj Modi School Art Center at Jaipur,2008
International Art symposium org. by Mati Manas Art Foundation at Jaipur,2009
International Art symposium org. by Neerj Modi School Art Center at Jaipur,2009
All India Painters Camp org.by ICA Art Gallery ,Jaipur,2010
International Art Symposium’Geb Art2010’at Zalaegerszeg,Hungary.2010
National contemporary Art Camp ,Panjim,Goa ,org.by Deptt. Of Art and culture, govt .of Goa,2010
PRINTMAKERS CAMP
Takhaman- 28, a group of Experimental Artists of Rajasthan at Jaipur1980,1982,1984 , Udaipur , 1997-2000
RLKA at Jaipur, 1985 and at WZCC. , Udaipur , 1990
Paul Lingerin an eminent printmaker of USA, work shop org, by USIS , N. Delhi
At Garhi Studio N.Delhi , 1985
WZCC&Kala Akademi Goa at Panjim , 1987
Bharat Bhavan ,Bhopal ,1991,1994
Water less Lithography workshop at Bharat Bhavan ,Bhopal org. by USIS N.Delhi
With the colobration of Tumarin Institution ,USA ,1995
Lithography work shop by WZCC , Udaipur , 1993
WZCC & Faculty of Fine Art , Baroda , 1994
Jawahar Kala Kendra Jaipur , 1994
Regional center ,Lucknow ,2002
COLLECTION
Works are in the permanent Collection
National Gallery of Modern Art, N.Delhi.
National lalit Kala Akademi, N.Delhi.
Prime Minister’s Residence N.Delhi.
Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, N.Delhi.
United State Information Center, N.Delhi.
College of Art, N. Delhi.
Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi, Jaipur.
State Gallery of Modern Art, Jaipur.
Jaipur Development Authority, Jaipur.
Rupankar Museum, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal.
Kala Akademi, Goa.
College of Art, Goa.
Faculty of Fine art, M.S. University, Baroda.
Sahu Jain , N.Delhi.
Vikas Minar , N. Delhi.
Rajasthan Housing Board, Jaipur.
Officers Training School, Jaipur.
Irigation Dept., Jaipur.
Secratriat , Govt of Rajasthan, Jaipur
West Zone Culture Centre, Udaipur.
Dairi Development Co., Jaipur.
RajasthanPublicService C Ajmer.
Mohendra & Mohendra.
HUDCO, N. Delhi.
Dabar India, N.Delhi.
J.K. Industries, N.Delhi.
The Great Eastern Shipping Co., Mumbai.
Hotel Sea Rock, Mumbai.
Tajmahal Hotel, Mumbai.
Grindlays Bank, Mumbai.
Zenith India , Mumbai.
U.P.State Lalit Kala Akademi , Lucknow.
Jawahar Kala Kendra , Jaipur.
Maxmuller Bhavan, Colcotta.
Gallery Chitrakoot, Colcotta.
ICICI Bank , Jaipur.
Sanghi group of Industries ,Sanghi Nagar , Hydrabad.
Municipal Museum Gyor, Hungary.
Geb Art, Zalaegerszeg,Hungary.
And Paintings , Prints and Drawings are in many public and private collections in India and Abroad.